We recently connected with Deovani Jean and have shared our conversation below.

Deovani, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first dollar as a creative wasn’t actually meant to be paid. My friend Malik Stephon, a talented film producer and SCAD graduate, brought me on to work wardrobe for a project called Paragons, written by Aryan Varma. I had just started getting into styling, so I was shocked, excited, and nervous. I just wanted to perform well for him. There were things I could’ve done better, but for my first time as the lead for wardrobe on a film, I think I did well. They sent me a budget to gather clothes for the actors, and I secured everything we needed. After the shoot, I returned the pieces and considered that experience my ‘payment,’ even though I wasn’t officially on the budget. I kept telling people—and myself—that I got paid to do a short film because I was so proud of what I’d accomplished.

Before this, I had been sewing clothes and doing custom edits for my coworkers at Zara. While those were technically my first creative dollars, I realized I wasn’t passionate about being a personal seamstress. I loved the craft but felt more aligned with styling and wardrobe work, and this project confirmed I was on the right path.

Deovani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the fashion industry began at SCAD. Fresh out of the hospital and following a hard-earned lawsuit win from a major injury, I used every resource I had to enroll. At the time, I wasn’t the confident, outspoken person I am today—I was reserved and often lost in my thoughts. However, SCAD became a pivotal experience, introducing me to incredible individuals like Malik (whom I’ve mentioned earlier) and expanding my perspective on fashion. While I had already been experimenting with sewing, my time there helped deepen my skills and understanding of the craft.

Ultimately, I decided to leave SCAD. Traditional education never truly aligned with my learning style; I’ve always thrived in more personalized, hands-on environments. After leaving, I joined Zara, where my career truly began to take shape. Starting in the stockroom, I quickly transitioned into Visual Merchandising and discovered my passion for a different side of fashion. During this time, I crossed paths with one of my mentors, Angela Watts—owner of Ragtrade Atlanta and Atlanta Fashion Week. Meeting her while assisting with sizes became a turning point in my journey.

I stayed at Zara for a while, but eventually, I was told I’d never amount to anything without them. That moment fueled my determination to prove otherwise—and marked the beginning of my independent styling journey. Since then, I’ve freelanced as a Visual Merchandiser for Ambassador Retail, a merchandising agency with projects across the U.S., and began working with Atlanta Fashion Week, all while continuing to build my styling portfolio.

In 2025, I’m taking a bold step forward by launching Agency 11:11, a business designed to help people realize their dreams. Whether it’s styling for events, editorial shoots, or personal transformations, my mission is to connect individuals with stylists and creatives who can bring their visions to life.

This journey has been one of lessons, growth, and self-discovery, and I know I’m only getting started. I feel divinely guided to continue styling and uplifting others through the power of connection—whether it’s crafting an idea, building relationships, or creating a visual transformation. I’m excited for the future and the opportunity to collaborate with those who share my passion for creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is the alignment. It feels like I’m channeling energy from within and sharing it with the world, allowing people to see me fully—without pretense. The ‘mask’ I wear isn’t a facade but a genuine reflection of who I’ve discovered myself to be, shaped by the lessons I’ve learned from those I love and who love me in return.

I don’t feel like I’m following the crowd; instead, I’m observing it, finding inspiration that resonates deeply within me. Being a creative allows me to feel truly authentic, existing in a space where life itself becomes art. Living with this intention—believing that everything is creative—has brought me an abundance I’ll never take for granted. I’m profoundly grateful for moments like this to express that.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Applying energy toward art is more than enough to sustain the creative ecosystem. Energy, as I see it, is multifaceted—whether it’s financial, mental, or physical, it all matters. The key lies in action. Let art exist with you in a tangible, physical way, not just as an abstract thought. Even the simple act of thinking about art—whether you love it, hate it, or form your own opinion about it—contributes energy.

Support your artist friends by attending their exhibitions. Buy prints from your photographer friends. Watch movies in theaters, and when the credits roll, take a moment to read a few names. Engage with art on social media and within your community. Choose local businesses and creators before turning to major retailers. These small, intentional actions not only strengthen your local economy but also ensure the creative ecosystem continues to thrive.

Ultimately, it’s about supporting the people closest to you, and that begins with authentic, intentional energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deovanijean.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deovni?igsh=dm0ya2plMTJ1ZXN6&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deovanijean?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@deovni?si=KeccEyJv3P-_WYpO

Image Credits

COVER PHOTO SHOT BY KADEEM / @kadeemsperspective on IG

EDITORIALS SHOT BY HANNA MIDDLETON / @hannamiddphotos
AND
ELIER / @elier.pics on IG

FEATURING MODELS
Aida Stone / @aidast0ne on IG
Reid Elrod / @24hrhusband on IG

OTHER PHOTOS:
– @ATLFW
– PARAGONS SCAD STUDENT FILM CREDITS
– ATLANTA WARDROBE & STYLING EVENT FOR SAKS STUDIO SERVICES AT PHIPPS.
HEADED BY EL LEWIS.